The lightning strike, the spell, the potion.
Ashley feels warm inside, and suddenly the world shifts and turns. She is smaller, nimbler, covered in fur and able to hear things so much clearer than ever before.
Penny almost squeals. The black-and-white cat that stumbles around at her feet is too cute - but also her friend, the blond reminds herself. A friend that is an adorable, fluffy, very pettable cat.
"Are you going to register with the Ministry?" Penny asks when Ashley regains her human form. Concern and apprehension are written clear as day on the blond girl's face; her friend does not exactly have the best track record with following authority.
The ginger thinks about it for a long moment, then grins. "Yeah. I think I am."
Penny's surprise is even more evident than the previous emotions. "Really?"
"Yeah," Ashley laughs. "Listen, I know I don't follow rules very well. But I also don't want to be like my brother, always hiding, always on the run. I don't want to be constantly looking behind my back for someone who will spill one of my million secrets. Besides, being an Animagus is awesome! Why wouldn't I want everyone to know?"
Penny smiles. As surprising as the decision is, the explanation is exactly what she has come to expect from her off Slytherin friend. "Alright. I just hope it doesn't end up making you a target..."
"Well, I have Hogwarts' best Potions master to watch my back, right?" Ashley winks.
The two burst into spontaneous laughter that echoes through the storm.
"That you do," Says Penny. "That you do."